The Sprouts Farmers Market grocery chain announced Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016 that its first North Carolina store will open in North Raleigh this March. The 30,000-square-foot store, which touts predominantly, fresh, natural and organic products at low prices will open in the Olive Park shopping center at the intersection of Falls of Neuse and Litchford Roads. Courtesy of Spouts

The Sprouts Farmers Market grocery chain announced Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016 that its first North Carolina store will open in North Raleigh this March. The 30,000-square-foot store, which touts predominantly, fresh, natural and organic products at low prices will open in the Olive Park shopping center at the intersection of Falls of Neuse and Litchford Roads. Courtesy of Spouts

First Sprouts grocery store in NC to open in Raleigh

The Sprouts Farmers Market grocery chain announced Wednesday that its first North Carolina store will open in North Raleigh this March.

The 30,000-square-foot store, which touts predominantly fresh, natural and organic products, will open in the Olive Park shopping center at the intersection of Falls of Neuse and Litchford roads.

Sprouts joins a crowded grocery landscape that has included recent entries from other chains such as Wegmans and Publix. New York-based Wegmans announced in October plans to open a 120,000-square-foot store on Wake Forest Road between Six Forks Road and Interstate 440, next to Trader Joe’s.

Arizona-based Sprouts says its official Raleigh opening is slated for March 15. Details about the grand opening celebration will be announced at a later date, said company spokeswoman Erin Miller.

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The company employs more than 24,000 people and operates more than 250 stores in 13 states. The new store will bring more than 100 full- and part-time jobs to the Raleigh area. Sprouts is now hiring department managers, assistant managers, clerks in all departments and cashiers.